AgroPages-Brazil extends earworm phytosanitary emergency-Agricultural news

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The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture has extended phytosanitary emergency in Bahia state due to an intensive attack of corn earworms (Helicoverpa armigera). The one-year extension followed original 12-month of emergency declared last year. The area received an implementation of a suppression and the adoption of several measures coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture. This includes chemical (emamectin benzoate) and biological control (traps, baits) or other physical control.

According to Luis Rangel, director of Plant Health Department, the renewal of the emergency situation in the west of Bahia will bring more security for the farmer. "During the 2014/15 crop season, farmers will have more management tools available to cope with this pest. It is very important that the control instruments are stabilized, so that in the end of the emergency we can live with Helicoverpa in a sustainable way," said Rangel.

It is expected that other states that declared state of emergency last year (Maranhão, Mato Grosso, and Goiás, and others) will also have its status extended, according to Rangel. "The municipalities that haven't declared can create a demand for the Ministry to analyze the requests. We are working to have faster and new tools to deal with this pest," said Rangel.